By Khalid Idris Doya
A group of concerned legal practitioners, under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers of Integrity and Justice, has sent a petition to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate and sanction former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, over an alleged admission of electoral malpractice.
In a letter addressed to the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over Dogara’s recent statement, in which he accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of betrayal toward the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Dogara who is a senior legal practitioner in Nigeria had claimed that Wike played a key role in financing Bala Mohammed’s 2019 gubernatorial election, an assertion, according to the petitioners, raised serious ethical and legal concerns.
The letter signed by the convener, Barrister Hussaini Saraki, alleged that Dogara's remarks suggested his involvement in facilitating undue political influence, which may constitute electoral malpractice.
The petitioners argued that his statements amounted to an admission of actions that violate Nigeria’s electoral laws and the professional ethics expected of legal practitioners.
The petition outlined the legal grounds for the NBA’s intervention, citing key judicial precedents and professional conduct rules, "The Electoral Act 2022 prohibits undue influence and manipulation of electoral processes. Any involvement in such actions constitute aiding and abetting electoral fraud."
The group added that the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2007 mandate lawyers to uphold justice and refrain from actions that compromise the integrity of the legal profession.
"Cases such as Abdulrahman Muhammad Tumbido v. INEC & Ors (2023) and Gbenoba v. L.P.D.C. (2021) highlights the courts' stance against electoral misconduct and professional infractions by legal practitioners," the letter read in part.
The lawyers urged the NBA to as soon as possible launch an investigation into Dogara’s statements to determine if they constitute a violation of electoral laws and professional ethics as well as impose sanctions if found guilty, including suspension or revocation of his legal practicing certificate.
The group warned that failure to address Dogara’s alleged admission could undermine public trust in the legal and electoral systems calling on the NBA to act decisively in upholding professional integrity and ensuring that lawyers remain committed to the principles of justice and fairness.
“The credibility of our democracy and legal profession is at stake. The NBA must take urgent action to restore confidence in the rule of law,” the petitioners stated.
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